Dr. Russell W. Mailen is an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University. His research focuses on the time-dependent properties of polymers, polymer composites, and computational modeling of shape memory polymers.
Dr. Mailen leads the Polymer Mechanics Research Lab at Auburn University, which conducts basic and applied research related to polymers and polymer composites, with applications in the aerospace industry and beyond. The lab performs both computational and experimental research including finite element analysis, laminated composite manufacturing using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique, and polymer characterization using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and rheology. This research is multidisciplinary in nature, which has led to collaborations with researchers in mechanical engineering, materials science engineering, and chemical engineering.
Current Research Interests and Projects:
- Polymers and polymer composites
- Multi-physics finite element analysis
- Time-dependent material behavior
- Smart materials and structures
- Self-Folding Origami
- Nanocomposites
- Laminated composites
- Aerospace applications of polymers